High Cheese

UPDATED, 3:10 p.m. -- Just to clear up some confusion, the qualifications for inclusion in this chart is somewhat subjective. In addition to the players who are guaranteed money for 2012, I included those who I think are locks to make the Opening Day roster. The two notable absences, as noted in the comments section, are Kyle Kendrick and Ben Francisco. Both players are arbitration-eligible, which means the Phillies have the choice of tendering them a contract that will be decided through the arbitration process, or non-tendering them, which would make them free agents. I think Francisco, who could earn upwards of $2 million, is likely to get non-tendered, especially if the Phillies end up signing a free agent outfielder (Michael Cuddyer is one who they have interest in). It just isn't worth paying $2 million for a fifth outfielder who, like three of the other four, hits right-handed.

Kendrick is an interesting situation because it is difficult to figure what he will make next season. He earned about $2.5 million this season and posted solid numbers, but also started just 15 games. Anything at or below $4 million and he's a good bet to return in the same role he held last year. Anything above $4 million and you have to start thinking about how much you are willing to pay for a guy who has no clear role unless somebody gets hurt.

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In the story you will find in the paper and online we took a look at the payroll flexibility the Phillies still have for the rest of the offseason. Below are the player-by-player figures for the projected 25-man roster IN 2012, according to my records. Numbers with an asterisk indicate that the salary is not yet guaranteed -- it is just a projection.